“My favorite part about being abroad was exploring the city and what it had to offer. Almost every Friday the program advisors would take my group to do different activities around Bilbao. For example, the Bull fighting arena, markets, hiking trails, and simply show us other parts of the city. Participating enriched my experience that much more.”

Departure from US on optional group flight (if on optional tour/field study)

August 28

Arrival in Madrid before 8 pm (if on tour/field study)

August 29 - September 1

Optional Madrid Tour/Field Study

August 31

Depart US (those not on tour)

September 1

Arrival in Bilbao (all students)

Move into housing

September 2 - 3

Mandatory orientation

September 4

Fall courses begin

October 4 - 6

Field Trip—Bordeaux

November 1

National holiday - no classes

December 6

National Holiday - no classes

December 10

Fall courses end

December 11 - 13

Fall final examinations

January 9 - 12, 2020

Optional Madrid Tour/Field Study

January 15

Spring courses begin

March 19 - 21

Field Trip—Asturias

April 6 - 17

Spring break

May 1

National holiday - no classes

May 12

Spring courses end

May 13 - 15

Spring final examinations

May 15

Program end date

May 16

Last day to move out of housing (noon checkout)

Open return

Students establish their own date of return

See Ready to Apply for additional information about the application process and Money Matters for more details regarding payment and cancellation deadlines.
Payment of the Confirmation Deposit cannot be deferred.
USAC reserves the right to make adjustments to fees or deadlines at any time.

Occasionally dates need to be changed or field trips modified. Refer back to this calendar often for the most current dates.